BVI Dive Map
Known for its wreck, Chikuzen is an incredible diving site located between Tortola and Anegada.It was named so after a 246ft refrigerator vessel sunk here; the ship got its name from an old Japanese province that today no longer exists. In 1981 a hurricane was threatening St. Maarten and the ship was lying unused in the harbor; the owner was asked to take the ship out so it doesn’t cause any damages so he decided to let it float by itself. As it started approaching Marina Cay, authorities decided to move it to its actual location where it finally sank.
Colorful corals and sponges cover the rocky formations and the ship, creating a wonderful marine tapestry.
This site is full of marine life, from smaller, colorful fish to gigantic ones. Here you will see horse eyed jacks, almaco jacks, lookdowns, pompano mackerels, jewfish, saucereye porgy, chubs, Atlantic spadefish, barracuda, cobia, groupers, southern stingrays and the ever so gently turtles. You will also have the chance to see a popular resident, the 600lb Goliath grouper.
The visibility is very good here but because Chikuzen is located in open waters, the diving is done in tough conditions and only by expert divers. If the weather is moody you will have to focus your energy on other nearby sites.
A captivating site, Chikuzen is the perfect place to show your underwater photography skills as at any moment during your dive you will be accompanied by exotic fish and other underwater creatures.
